World Physique

Interview by: Tammy Renee'

WP: Drexel, I’ve known you for so long and I have had so many laughs with you. I've been trying for over two years for this interview! Yes! I'm finally getting it! Yoo hoo! I would love for you to tell our viewers a little about yourself.

 DL: Sure. I’m a Philly/Jersey girl living in Texas. I’m a former 400 m runner. I was ranked #2 in High School Senior Year behind Marion Jones. I was coached by the same coaches who coached Carl Lewis and other Olympians while I attended/graduated from the University of Houston.

I tried out for American Gladiators in Season 2. I want to try out for WIPEOUT. I am a Middle School Physical Education Teacher and Track Coach.

I am a 3 Time Pro Natural Drug Free Bodybuilder. I am an aspiring fitness model.

 WP: Wow! I think I learned more about you in all of that. What has been your stepping stone to get where you are today?

 DL: My stepping stone that has gotten me where I am today is my track career which started in the 7th grade. Whatever I set out to do, I do it to my best ability. Track didn’t go as I wanted but, I think I found my new hobby in bodybuilding.

WP: What has it been like to maintain your physique? Have you done anything different lately?

DL: It has been fun to maintain my physique because I love working out. Plus, I did something different this year. I have a new trainer, Jeremy Minihan of Size & Shape Fitness out of Oklahoma City and I am excited about what we are going to create.

WP: So, that is why you have made so much gain lately. Where do you reside now?

 DL: I reside in Houston, Texas.

WP: I know you are a professional drug free competitor. Tell me a little about you competition history.

DL: I have been competing since 2004. I started off in the NPC then I decided I wanted to compete in natural drug free organizations only. I started competing in the NGA in 2006 and became a Pro. Then, I found FAME, and as an Elite Athlete, I became a Pro in 2007. Then, I found the IFPA Pro division of OCB, which allows Natural Pros from other organizations to compete. November 15th, 2008 was my 12th show and my 4th PRO show.

WP: That’s crazy! Everything type of organization you entire, you become Pro! Are you planning to compete again in the future?

DL: Yes, of course I am planning to compete again but, it won’t be until September of this year. I will either do a show in Toronto or Atlanta. Then, in Nov a show in Miami, DC or Toronto.

WP: What other sports or activities did or do you enjoy?

DL: Other sports, I would have to say that I’ve enjoyed would be running track and enjoy now. I’m participating w/ my students in activities at school. I started running track in the 7th grade and stopped in 2000. I don’t like baseball or golf. I think they are so boring. I’m enjoying watching the bowl games, playoffs for the NFL and NBA and the NCAA March madness and of course, track meets.

WP: I bet your family is very proud of you. Tell me about them.

DL: All my family lives on the East Coast, from Boston down to NC. I am the lone ranger here in Texas. My family consists of my mom, dad, brother and niece. No, I'm not dating anyone at the moment but, I'm single and looking.

WP: What has bodybuilding competitions taught you thus far?

DL: Bodybuilding competitions have taught me to compete for me and not for others.

WP: So many other competitors need to learn that, too. Well said. What was the hardest thing for you to overcome when you first started?

DL: The hardest thing for me to overcome was, when I first started competing, was how much money was spent in getting ready and participating in a show. I am always looking for sponsors.

WP: What was the hardest thing you had to deal with when it came to your diet?

DL: The hardest thing for me to deal with when it came to my diet was eating bland food and nasty asparagus.

WP: Oh my! I love asparagus! It’s the cucumbers I can’t stand. I will make a ugly face but I will still eat them just because I know they are good for me. Ha-ha. What are the key factors that dictate the way you train today?

 DL: The key factors that dictate the way I train today are my trainer and my determination to be the best natural drug free competitor.

WP: How has your training changed over the years?

DL: My training has changed a lot over the years, but like I said earlier, I have a new trainer Jeremy Minihan. That is the biggest change and we did make some improvements between my 11th and 12th show last year. I am training 6 days a week now. I am even doing cardio during my off-season prep. I am looking forward to what I do this year.

WP: What titles/accomplishments have you thus far? Tell me about them.

DL: Titles:
2004 NPC Central Tx Cup HW Champ
2006 NGA Southern States HW Champ
2007 NGA Southern States Pro Champ
2007 FAME Diana Chaloux South Central Elite Athlete Div Champ and PRO card AWARDED
2007 FAME World Championships Pro Champ

Accomplishments:
2007 Fitness & Physique-Upcoming competitors- Summer issue
2007 Oxygen- Tomorrow’s Cover Girl- August issue
2007 Muscular Development- Candid shots- November issue
2007 Ms. Most Perfect Physique for December
2008 Health & Fitness Sports Mag- Fitness Scene- July issue
2008 Muscular Development- Muscle Diva- October issue
2008 trying out for American Gladiators Season 2

WP: That is outstanding! Can you tell me any photographers you’ve worked with, or someone you’d like to work with?

 DL: I have worked with a lot over the last 5 years:
Danny Corn (OK) RIP, Joe Lobell (OK);
Tony Duffy (CA), Jeff Kutscher (TX);
Michael Harmon (TX), TomNine (VA);
Vic Gaines (IL), NaKrown Photo (TX);
Sam Lewis (TX), Jim Ball (KS);
Ken Long (my cuzin) (TX), Randy Scott (OK);
Alan Stephens (TX), Carlos Velarde (AZ);
Dr. Molly Black (TX) , Andy Bernstein (TX);
Bob Werre (TX)- Ken (TX), Bill Dobbins (CA);
Harmon Outlaw (CA), Jerry Fredricks (CA);
David Cooper (VA), Lou Krivda (LV);
Jeff Binns (PA), Lisa Brewer (NC);
Wolverine (MD), Ropes (TX);
Annie Rivieccio, Steve Wennerstorm (CA);
JP Erickson (Canada), Jerroll Figg;
Nina (Germany), Mike Eckstut (NJ);

I would love to work with Genex, John Nafpliotis, Paul , Terry Goodlad, Duke, John Stutz, Walt Ostery, Per Bernal, George Leoros, CSI Photos, Jon Howard, Weiferd Watts, Vincent Roberts, Rick Oliver, Anthony Esposito, Paco Gutierrez, Doug Smith, Per Bernal, Jennifer Chamberlin, Barry Brooks, Ralph DeHaan. Brian Moss, and David Aboody.

WP: Holy cow! I didn't know there were that many photographers in the world! Ha-ha! I think I first met you when you just worked with Lisa Brewer, which is a very talented photographer. supplements do you currently take?

DL: I take vitamins, Protein Power, and Karboyln.

WP: What are your pet peeves?

DL: My pet peeves are lazy people and people who lie.

WP: Yeah, me too. What do you consider to be important in life, and why?

DL: I consider my health important because that’s what’s going to help me live long. This is why I compete as a natural drug free competitor. In addition, relationships are important because we can help, encourage and support each other.

WP: Drexel, you are so positive. I adore what you just said. How have you changed over the past few years when it comes to thinking, actions, and life in general?

DL: I’ve started thinking outside the box and taking more risks.

WP: What are your stats such as height, weight, biceps, and waist?

 DL: I’m 150, 5’7”. Biceps are 14.5 (hoping to get them to a solid 15) and waist is 27.

WP: Any shout outs?

DL: A BIG shout out to ALL the NATTIES out there. KEEP UP the GREAT WORK!

WP: Give me an example of your workout.

DL: My workout is 6 days a week. I hit my legs, shoulders and back 2 times a week.

WP: Give me an example of your diet. What do you normally eat each day?

DL: My diet consists of: veggies, meats, egg whites, hot cereal, fruit, bread, pasta and oats.

WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?

DL: My future projects are working with more Photographers and getting some model work.

WP: That should be pretty easy for you. I love your photos. I know you have a lot of dealings with a lot of websites. Which ones do you frequently visit?

DL: The following sites are geared towards women. They are very helpful and sponsorships available and a way to meet other fitness minded people:

femininebodybuilding.com
figureathlete.com
FAME’s (natural drug free org) online community

Competitors (male and females) message boards:

muscle-universe.com
internationalmuscle.net

The other natural drug free orgs I am a Pro in:

NGA
OCB/IFPA

WP: I will go check out every link you just gave us when we are finished with the interview. Where do you see your career and life in 10 years from now?

DL: In 10 years, I see myself either working as an Athletic Director for a college, school, school district, (2) working for the NBA or NFL (3) working for a college conference, (4) coaching track at a college (5) teaching Physical Education /coaching Track at the MS/HS level. As far as bodybuilding goes, I will still competing as a Pro. I hope to be married by then.

WP: Before we go, I know you do a lot of modeling. Tell us about it.

DL: Yes, I am doing modeling but only for pay sites for fans of bodybuilding. I am hoping one day to get into fitness modeling and work with different magazines, tradeshows, etc. I love working with different photographers. I would like to be a spokesperson for a fitness clothing line and a supplement company, as well.

WP: It has been a pleasure interviewing you! I am so happy to finally get this interview! I will add this interview under my "Accomplishments" title! Ha-ha! I have always respected you and am proud to call you my friend. You are so dedicated to this industry and you have so much to give and to offer. I wish you all the best of luck!

DL: Thank you, Tammy, for this wonderful opportunity for the WORLD to learn more about me . I always like telling my story...(herstory).